BAD APPLES

There are lots of things that can negatively affect a startup; funding, competition, and timing to name just a few.  Startups are innovative, entrepreneurial, and fast-moving. Founders where many hats and do many jobs but at some point, they burn out and realize the need to hire.  By that time, unfortunately, they are so worn they are less selective than they should be when making their first hires. Nothing kills a startup quicker than poisoned apples; employees who are resistant to change, overreact, gossip, and who are lazy needing constant oversight.

Early hires in a startup are different than any other hire. They are working for a company that is new to a market segment and lacks process and infrastructure. These individuals must be able to thrive in this type of environment.  Some key success indicators are:

🍎 They are passionate about your mission

🍎 They have a positive attitude and positive outlook on life

🍎 They show humility

🍎 They are a self-starter and can function in an unstructured environment

🍎 They know how to take ownership and do not shy away from accountability

🍎 They have a growth mindset

Screening is the key to successful early hires. Take your time with the interview process and get to know your candidates. Find out what inspires them, what drives them, and ask why they want to work for your startup. Be honest and provide the pros AND the cons of startup life so that they are not misled about your challenges. The right candidate will want to help you succeed.